09/03/2026
Thank you, I’m honored to serve. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man.”— Colossians 3:23
📺 For Victor L. Thomas, public service didn’t begin with an election.
Long before voters sent him to the Caddo Parish Commission, the Shreveport native had already built a résumé spanning military service, education, entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, academic research and community advocacy.
Today, Thomas represents District 3 on the Caddo Parish Commission and serves as Vice President of the Commission, but the road that brought him there may be even more impressive than the title itself.
🇺🇸 SERVICE BEFORE POLITICS
Thomas is a United States Army veteran, part of a life of service that would eventually take several different forms.
His professional journey included the cosmetology industry, where he became an educator and program leader at Blue Cliff College and an entrepreneur through Hair Fanatix Salon.
Thomas would later serve in roles at Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA) and with nonprofit organization Loving Little Ones, Inc.
But while working to impact others, Thomas continued investing in his own education.
🎓 FROM THE CLASSROOM TO RESEARCH
A graduate of the Southern University System, Thomas earned both associate and bachelor’s degrees, ultimately completing a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Psychology and Management from Southern University Baton Rouge.
While studying psychology at SUSLA, Thomas was selected for the American Heart Association HBCU Scholars Program.
Working with a mentor from LSU Medical School, Thomas conducted research examining social isolation and loneliness as cardiovascular-disease risk factors and presented his work at an American Heart Association symposium in Nashville.
It is one of the lesser-known chapters of a résumé that stretches far beyond politics.
❤️ SERVING SHREVEPORT BEFORE THE BALLOT BOX
Thomas’ community involvement began years before he became an elected official.
His civic résumé has included work and leadership involving the Commission on Race & Cultural Diversity, Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce, Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana, Norwela Council of Boy Scouts, AMIkids, Inc., Young Professionals Initiative and Loving Little Ones, Inc.
His community involvement has also extended to initiatives associated with the Red River Revel, North Louisiana Juneteenth Coalition and Highland Jazz & Blues Festival.
That history is important because Thomas’ path didn’t begin with winning an election.
The community work came first.
🗳️ A NEW CHAPTER IN PUBLIC SERVICE
Thomas carried that background into the political arena in 2023, winning election to represent District 3 on the Caddo Parish Commission and taking office in January 2024.
His fellow commissioners subsequently elevated him into leadership.
Thomas served as Parliamentarian of the Caddo Parish Commission in 2025 before being selected Vice President for 2026.
He also serves as Chair of the Commission’s Appropriations Committee.
According to a 2026 profile announcing one of Thomas’ honors, his work in that role has helped direct more than $3 million to over 150 local nonprofit organizations, supporting organizations and opportunities throughout the community.
🇺🇸 TAKING CADDO PARISH TO A NATIONAL TABLE
Thomas’ reach has now expanded beyond Northwest Louisiana.
In August 2026, Thomas announced that he had received multiple appointments within the National Association of Counties (NACo).
He was appointed Vice Chair of the Housing Subcommittee within NACo’s Community, Economic and Workforce Development Policy Steering Committee.
Thomas also announced appointments as a member of the Arts and Culture Innovation Council and member of the International Economic Development Innovation Council.
The positions give Thomas an opportunity to bring a Northwest Louisiana perspective into national conversations surrounding housing, workforce development, economic development, arts and culture and international economic opportunities.
For someone whose public-service résumé was already extensive before entering elected office, it’s another step in an increasingly larger leadership role.
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🏆 AWARDS, HONORS & LEADERSHIP ACCOLADES
Thomas’ work across education, civic engagement and public service has brought a growing list of recognition:
🏆 2021 40 Under Forty Honoree — recognized among Northwest Louisiana’s emerging young leaders.
❤️ American Heart Association HBCU Scholars Fellow — selected while studying psychology at Southern University at Shreveport and participating in cardiovascular-health research.
🏆 “Man Enough to Be a Girl Scout” Honoree — recognized by Girl Scouts of Louisiana–Pines to the Gulf for leadership and community involvement supporting opportunities for women and girls.
🏆 2026 Rutledge-Anderson 50 Under 50 Award Honoree — recognized among leaders making an impact through professional achievement, leadership and service.
👔 Former Chair, Young Professionals Initiative (YPI) — after once being recognized as a 40 Under Forty honoree himself, Thomas eventually helped lead the organization associated with recognizing another generation of young professionals.
🏛️ 2025 Parliamentarian — Caddo Parish Commission
🏛️ 2026 Vice President — Caddo Parish Commission
💰 Chair — Caddo Parish Commission Appropriations Committee
🇺🇸 Vice Chair — NACo Housing Subcommittee
🌎 Member — NACo International Economic Development Innovation Council
🎭 Member — NACo Arts and Culture Innovation Council
🤝 Board and civic leadership across several Northwest Louisiana organizations, including Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana, the Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce, Norwela Council of Boy Scouts and AMIkids.
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💚🖤 THE TAKEOVER TV SPOTLIGHT
When Victor L. Thomas’ story is viewed in its entirety, one thing becomes clear:
The ballot box didn’t create the public servant.
Before Commissioner was attached to his name, there was already the Army veteran, entrepreneur, educator, researcher, nonprofit leader and community advocate.
Then came elected office.
Then Commission leadership.
And now, national appointments.
From serving his country to serving his hometown — and from community organizations in Shreveport to conversations taking place on the national level — Thomas has continued adding chapters to a journey built around service.
And perhaps the most fitting part of his story is that years after being selected as one of Northwest Louisiana’s 40 Under Forty, Thomas continued climbing — eventually helping lead YPI and earning recognition in 2026 as a Rutledge-Anderson 50 Under 50 Award honoree.
Victor L. Thomas didn’t start serving his community when he got elected.
He got elected after years of serving his community. 🔥
For his continued work in education, civic leadership, community development and public service, Victor L. Thomas is in the TAKEOVER TV SPOTLIGHT. 🎥🔥
💚🖤 TAKEOVER TV — Shining a light on the people making an impact in our communities
